By Hugh Wilson

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5 Aug 2014 15:30:00

The Premier League returns this month, with the race for the title hotting up with a number of big money transfer moves. Our tipster looks at who will top the lot

After 37 matches last season, the Premier League title was to be decided on the final day. Manchester City and Liverpool both won their final game, which meant City picked up their second title in three seasons. Liverpool, who were odds on to pick up their first Premier League title in their history, couldn’t carry on their fantastic form and dropped points in April and May to throw away the title.

This season you can expect it to be more than a two horse race as we enter the final stages of the campaign. The new-look Manchester United will have their say as they look to bounce back from a poor season, Chelsea and Jose Mourinho have strengthened and can never be ruled out, while Arsenal have also been active in the transfer window and will look to build on their FA Cup success.

After signing the likes of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis, Didier Drogba and Thibaut Courtois returning from loan, it’s no surprise that Chelsea are favourites for the title with William Hill. The firm price Mourinho’s men at 15/8 (2.88). When you consider they didn’t have a successful season last campaign, or a striker netting regular goals, the fact they finished only four points off City speaks volumes. With a full summer transfer window and pre-season, Mourinho will be confident of claiming the title.

Man City follow closely behind Chelsea in the market, with William Hill pricing them at 9/4 (3.25). Manuel Pellegrini’s squad was very strong last season, with it being no surprise that they came out on top with the depth in the side world-class. Without making huge signings this transfer window, they have brought in some key players, with Bacary Sagna, Fernando and Willy Caballero all joining the Etihad ranks. With Stevan Jovetic looking deadly in pre-season, he could be like a new signing for City.

Arsenal ended their trophy drought last season by lifting the FA Cup, and Arsene Wenger will be keen to re-claim the Premier League title. The Gunners have been active in the window, signing Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers. Wenger’s side led the league for the majority of the first half of last season but a lack of depth meant they tailed off after Christmas. William Hill price them at 5/1 (6.00)to win the league.

Louis Van Gaal will be keen to leave his stamp on the Premier League, with the former Netherlands manager taking the hot seat at Manchester United this summer. After a woeful last season for the Red Devils, a reaction is expected. So far they have looked impressive in pre-season, a new shape seemingly working. Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw have been brought in, but with the likes of Patrice Eva, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic all departing, United are looking a little short of cover at the back. William Hill price them at 4/1 (5.00) to win the league, but priority could well be a top four finish for Van Gaal in his first season.

Despite running Man City right to the wire last season, Liverpool are 9/1 (10.00) to win the league with William Hill. Brendan Rodgers' side have brought in a number of new players this transfer window, but it's the player who has departed that has caused the biggest headlines. Luis Suarez, whose 31 league goals almost brought the Reds the title, was sold to Barcelona. He will be a huge loss, not only because of his goals, but due to the amount of chances he created.

Looking at the market, it's tough to see past Chelsea at 15/8 (2.88). Mourinho will have his side well prepared, and with the Blues playing a number of pre-season friendlies, there will be no excuses as to why the new additions won't be on the same wavelength. With Fabregas and Drogba already having Premier League experience, they will be able to hit the ground running. With a fantastic striker in Costa, what they lacked up-front last season they very much have in the Spain international, who has the ability to fire them to the title.